The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday, has visited the site of the Great Nigeria Insurance building in the Island which was destroyed by fire on December 24, 2025, while confirmed 8 deaths and 13 people rescued.
Sanwo-Olu who disclosed this on X sympathized with the families who lost loved ones, everyone whose homes and businesses were affected, adding that no words can fully ease the pain these people are going through.
He stated that the entire area remains unsafe, revealing that no business or unauthorized activity should be taking place there, ordered the closure of the market, and revealed that only first responders are permitted on the site.
Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that his administration have established an information center at the site, saying that anyone requiring assistance, information can speak with officers from LASEMA, NEMA, LASBCA, and the other responding agencies.
The Governor pressed further that emergency teams will continue to work carefully through the rubble, particularly at the rear of the building, to ensure no one remains trapped.
He said this tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by certain practices around the market, adding that the unsafe use of generators and shops around transformers significantly increased the risks in this area.
The Governor also said, following a full structural review, the GNI building will be demolished using the safest possible methods. Some surrounding buildings must also be removed.
“While these are difficult decisions, we must prioritize the safety of lives above all else. My heart is with every family affected and I remain committed to overseeing the recovery process and ensuring we do right by our people”.
Meanwhile, the LASEMA, says search and rescue operations are continuing after a fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, with several people still reported missing.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the agency said it understands the distress the incident has caused families and loved ones, and assured the public that trained emergency responders are actively working at the scene to locate and rescue any survivors.
LASEMA also said its teams, equipped with specialised tools and supported by other emergency, health and security agencies, are carrying out coordinated operations to ensure that no one is left unaccounted for.
The agency has asked members of the public who have been unable to contact relatives or colleagues believed to have been in the building at the time of the fire to register their concerns at the LASEMA complaints unit at the site, adding that verified information will aid rescue, recovery and identification efforts.
